Details for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

Sgurr na Ciste Dhuibhe is a Scottish mountain situated on the northern side of Glen Shiel, 27 kilometres south east of Kyle of Lochalsh. It reaches a height of 1027 metres (3369 feet) making it Munro number 104 in terms of height. It is one of three Munros which which make up the Five Sisters of Kintail group of hills (the others being Sgurr Fhuaran and Sgurr na Càrnach) and is often climbed as part of the walk which takes in the full Five Sisters ridge. The mountain is not particularly photogenic and it is difficult to get a good impression of the mountain from the A87 road because of the steepness of its slopes as they fall into Glen Shiel.

The hill's Gaelic name translates as the Peak of the Black Chest or Coffin. The meaning of the name is unsure but it is thought to refer to an unusual deep rocky hollow near the summit which lies between the main ridge and a false crest. The hollow can be dangerous in mist or snow. The mountain should not be confused with another Munro called Ciste Dhubh which lies just 7 kms to the east.

Sgurr na Ciste Dhuibhe’s south face is one of the steepest and highest grassy mountainsides in Scotland as it drops almost 1000 metres in a distance of 1.5 kilometres to the valley bottom in Glen Shiel. The average angle of this hillside is 34 degrees, with a maximum of around 40 degrees. The mountain’s northern flank falls in crags into Coire Domhain while to the west a ridge connects to the adjoining Munro of Sgurr na Carnach. The ridge continues to the east going down to the Bealach an Lapain before climbing to the adjacent Munro of Sàileag.

Sgurr na Ciste Dhuibhe has a subsidiary peak which is listed in the Munros Tables, Sgurr nan Spainteach (Peak of the Spaniards) which reaches a height of 990 metres is situated 600 metres west of the main summit. The peaks unusual name derives from the Battle of Glen Shiel which took place on the southern slopes of the mountain in 1719. 300 Spanish troops fought a brave rearguard action in the battle on the side of the defeated Jacobite rebels and the peak was named by locals in their honour. The western flank of Sgurr nan Spainteach has an unexpected 10 metre vertical drop as the walker traverses the ridge to the main summit and requires some awkward scrambling.

The direct ascent of Sgurr na Ciste Dhuibhe begins at a parking place at (NH009135) on the A87 main road in Glen Shiel. It is a steep ascent up the hillside to the Bealach an Lapain where the eastern ridge of the mountain is then followed to the summit. This walk can be continued north west to take in the other peaks of the Five Sisters ridge, finishing eight kilometres from the starting point on the shores of Loch Duich. The summit is marked by a large cairn and gives extensive views.